Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

Apple
63 Overall Score
vs
Soundcore Life Q20

Soundcore Life Q20

Soundcore
93 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Apple AirPods Max

85 out of 100 medium confidence 10 reviews

The AirPods Max receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Users praise the rich, detailed audio and the immersive listening experience, though some note the high price and weight as drawbacks. A few reviews mention initial connectivity issues that were resolved with updates, and the smart case is considered more of a sleeve than a protective case.

Pros
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
  • Comfortable ear cups
  • Premium build quality
Cons
  • High price
  • Heavy weight
  • Smart case is just a sleeve
  • Initial connectivity issues
  • Clamp force with glasses
👍 Sound quality 7
👍 Noise cancellation 6
👎 Price 5
👎 Weight 4
👍 Apple ecosystem integration 4
🤔 Comfort 5

Soundcore Life Q20

87 out of 100 medium confidence 20 reviews

Users overwhelmingly praise these headphones for their exceptional value, comfort, and impressive noise cancellation at a budget price. Battery life is a standout feature, with one user reporting 60% charge remaining after two weeks of use. A few minor complaints include the headphones being slightly heavy and the lack of a clear power indicator light. Overall, the sentiment is highly positive, with most reviewers recommending them as a top budget pick.

Pros
  • Exceptional value for money
  • Impressive noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Comfortable for extended wear
  • Easy Bluetooth pairing
Cons
  • Slightly heavy on the head
  • No clear power indicator light
  • Noise cancelling not confirmed for wired mode
👍 Value for money 8
👍 Noise cancellation 7
👍 Battery life 5
👍 Comfort 5
👍 Sound quality 6
👍 Bluetooth pairing 4

Scores

Budget
Apple
54
Soundcore
90
Gaming
Apple
59
Soundcore
83
Work
Apple
54
Soundcore
79
Studio
Apple
52
Soundcore
78
Music
Apple
53
Soundcore
76
Commute
Apple
57
Soundcore
74
Calls
Apple
53
Soundcore
67

Specifications

Apple AirPods MaxSoundcore Life Q20
Design
Form Factorover-earover-ear
Open/Closedclosedclosed
Foldable✗✓★
Weight0.39 kg0.26 kg★
Ear CushionMesh textile, memory foammemory foam
HeadbandStainless steelmemory foam
Audio
Driver Typedynamicdynamic
Driver Size—40 mm★
Drivers—4★
Freq Min—16 Hz★
Freq Max—40 kHz★
Impedance—16 Ω
Sensitivity—105 dB★
Hi-Res Audio—✓★
CodecsApple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Space GrayFoldable design with ergonomic headband, memory foam ear cups and multi-point rotation, travel pouch
SurroundDolby Atmos, Spatial Audio—
Noise Control
ANC✓✓
ANC Type—hybrid
Transparency✓✓
Connectivity
Wireless✓✓
Bluetooth5.05.0
Profiles—A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Multipoint—✓★
Wired ConnectorLightning3.5mm
Detachable Cable—✓★
Cable Length—1.2000000476837158 m
Range—15 m★
Battery
Battery Life20 hrs60 hrs★
Charge Time—2 hrs★
Fast Charging—5 minutes for 4 hours of listening
ChargingLightningUSB-C★
Microphone
Microphone✓✓
Mic Count—4★
NC Mic✓✓
Boom Mic—✗
Detachable Mic—✗
Features
Voice AssistantSiriSiri, Google Assistant
Touch Controls✗✓★
AppApple H1 chipsoundcore app
Gaming Mode—✗
Water Resistance—Water-Resistant

Pros & Cons

Apple AirPods Max

  • Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
  • Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong anc (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong connectivity (77th percentile)
  • Below average battery (21st percentile)
  • Below average comfort (30th percentile)

Soundcore Life Q20

  • Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
  • Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong battery (91st percentile)91st %ile

Verdict

★ Winner: Soundcore Life Q20

Scores 93 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 41 specs.

Soundcore Life Q20 Better at:

WorkCallsMusicBudgetGamingStudioCommute